Nigerian sprint sensation Samuel Ogazi could not hide his excitement after producing a historic performance to successfully defend his SEC men’s 400m title in the United States.
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Representing the University of Alabama at the SEC Outdoor Championships, the 19-year-old stormed to a sensational world-leading time of 43.95 seconds, smashing his own Nigerian national record and becoming the first Nigerian in history to run under the 44-second barrier.
Speaking after the race, an emotional Ogazi described the achievement as a lifelong dream fulfilled.
“I am very happy, it was a dream come true,” Ogazi said after the race.
The Nigerian quarter-miler also revealed that his primary target remains staying healthy and continuing his steady development as one of the brightest young talents in world athletics.
“My aim is to stay fit, healthy and we can aspire to bigger things,” he added.
Despite the growing rivalry in African sprinting, particularly with Botswana’s strong 400m tradition, Ogazi insisted he remains focused only on his personal growth and progression.
“I don’t care about what the Botswanas are doing, I just focus on my thing.”
The Alabama star further warned that his latest record-breaking run is only the beginning of bigger performances to come in the future.
“This is just the beginning of what to expect in three, four years to come.”
Ogazi’s remarkable 43.95s performance achieved several historic milestones:
First Nigerian athlete ever to run sub-44 seconds in the men’s 400m
Fastest 400m time in the world this year
Sixth African man in history to break the 44-second barrier
Second Nigerian national record set by Ogazi within 15 days
Successfully defended his SEC outdoor 400m title.
The young Nigerian produced a stunning finish in the final stretch to overpower his challengers and further establish himself among the elite quarter-milers in global athletics.
